Sightseeing & excursion Tips at the Stubai Valley and surroundings

Easily accessible via the highway, the state capital is worth a visit not only on rainy days. Here, you can expect not only impressive historical buildings and fine architecture and culture but also a charming core that invites you to stroll and shop. Visit the landmark of the Innsbruck residents - the Golden Roof - the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and the Court Church (Hofkirche) with its "Black Men" statues, or the Ambras Castle located above Innsbruck with its splendid art and treasury.

The Alpenzoo is located high above Innsbruck, right at the foot of the Nordkette mountain range, and is home to around 2,000 animals. They can be admired during a tour of the spacious enclosures, aquariums and terrariums. In addition to moose and bison, bears, wolves, ibex and bearded vultures await interested visitors. Some of the enclosures are walk-through, allowing visitors to get up close to the animals

Dive into a dream of crystals and embark on a fantastic journey – the Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens are a true crowd-puller and are an absolute must-visit on any trip to Tyrol. The centerpiece of the Kristallwelten is the Giant, which houses a chamber of wonders with a dazzling display of crystalline colors and shapes on the inside. As a sparkling experience, the Kristallwelten also shine with a diverse range of accompanying programs.

As one of the venues for the annual Vierschanzenturnier, the Bergisel Ski Jump has gained fame primarily because of its exceptional architecture. Designed and built according to plans by the London star architect Zaha Hadid, the imposing structure has been a highlight in the cityscape since its completion in 2003. A visit to the ski jump is also worthwhile because of the fantastic view. Make yourself comfortable in the panoramic café Bergisel SKY and admire Innsbruck.

Here, the myth of Tyrol comes alive on 1,000 square meters: In the Tirol Panorama, you embark on a fascinating journey into the past and can admire the Tyrolean struggle for freedom in 360 degrees. The painting, created in 1896, depicts all the themes of the battle. The regiment museum of the Tyrolean Imperial Rifles complements the Tirol Panorama and contains a military-historical collection from the 18th to the 20th century.

Ambras Castle, located just above Innsbruck, gained regional significance in the High Middle Ages as the seat of the Counts from the House of Andechs. They passed on the castle as an inheritance to the later Tyrolean sovereigns. The castle is particularly striking because of the Spanish Hall, which contains the full-length portraits of the 27 Tyrolean sovereigns. Visitors can also see the famous bathtub of Philippine Welser. Various historical collections, such as in the Armoury, or changing special exhibitions, complement the extensive offerings.

On the WildeWasserWeg, water takes center stage in its most primal form. Divided into three easily manageable stages, a hike here traces the journey of water from its raging stream beginnings back to its origins. Those who set out on the trail of water will traverse diverse vegetations and encounter glacial fields, emerald-green mountain lakes, bubbling springs, and roaring waterfalls.

Arrive, stop by, take a breather, and indulge in culinary delights – the Stubaital is known for its hospitality and its mountain huts & alpine pastures. These are as characteristic of the mountain world as the striking peaks themselves and make every alpine excursion a special experience. Many of the high-altitude inns found along the hiking trails have a long history. This doesn't mean that the huts and alpine pastures of today are stuck in the past. Quite the contrary. Many of these high-altitude establishments, for instance, offer backpack transport to the valley or to the next hut, and also provide overnight accommodations.

Waterfalls, high moors, mountain lakes, meadows and viewpoints are considered the true treasures of the Stubai Valley, which often only reveal themselves at a second glance. Accordingly, the natural spectacles of the Stubai Valley are diverse, revealing themselves as magical places upon closer inspection. These invite you to linger, pause, enjoy, and take a breather. The Stubai Valley currently boasts 25 natural sights, including the Telfer Wiesen, the Elfer Gratzengrübl, and Gschmitz. Many of the impressive destinations can be reached not only on foot but also by bike.

Have you always wanted to reach great heights? Nothing stands in your way in the Stubai Valley. After all, you can expect a high density of three-thousand-meter peaks here, waiting to be climbed. The Seven Summits Stubai consist of seven remarkable peaks, which prominently shape the landscape and are among the most popular destinations in the region. An informative detail on the side: those who set out for Zuckerhütl, Wilder Freiger, Habicht, or Serles will learn many interesting facts about the Seven Summits Stubai on their way to the summit. Those who reach their goal can look forward to an entry in the summit pass.

Have you always wanted to learn more about the lush vegetation of the Alps or, for example, discover a stage of the pilgrimage route for yourself? Some of the hiking trails in the Stubai Valley are dedicated to specific themes, which make hiking itself a special experience. For example, slow down on the contemplative path that leads along paths to the idyllic Issenanger Alm, or march along the glacier path and embark on a millennia-old search for traces to the origins of the glaciers.

Located directly behind the Brenner Pass, Sterzing captivates with its alpine charm, to which a hint of Mediterranean flair is added. As the pearl of South Tyrol, it impresses especially with magnificent townhouses, a medieval promenade, and numerous historical squares. Not to forget the hospitable businesses that always welcome visitors from North Tyrol. Moreover, Sterzing is well known among those interested in culture and art, as well as among sports enthusiasts.